San Leandro Human Services Commission Meeting - March 16, 2026

The San Leandro Human Services Commission met on March 16, 2026. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, staff reports, a presentation from the Family Violence Law Center, an update on the Age-Friendly Implementation Plan, and commissioner announcements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of June Minutes: The commission approved the June meeting minutes via a motion by Commissioner Lum, seconded by Commissioner O'Brien. Commissioner Picardo abstained, and the motion passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received; the commission was notified that no written comments were submitted.

City Staff Reports & Announcements

• Pedro (Human Services Manager): Reminded that city council and commission meetings will not be held in August due to recess. Reported that the Luelling interim housing navigation center is fully occupied (29 units) as of a couple weeks prior, and several units have already turned over (residents moved to permanent housing). Announced that the drop-in center is open for community members seeking services. Encouraged commissioners to promote senior services (ages 50+) available at the senior community center and marina community center; registration opened July 12. Commissioner Bailey requested statistics on drop-in center usage; staff agreed to provide data at a future meeting.

Presentations

• Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) – Stephanie Penrod: Presented an overview of FVLC's mission to help Alameda County communities heal from domestic violence and sexual assault through crisis and legal services, prevention education, and policy. Described core programs: crisis intervention (24/7 hotline, safety planning, shelter placement, relocation assistance, case management), legal services (restraining orders, family law, housing law, Title IX advocacy), and a mobile response team for overnight crises. For San Leandro, FVLC operates the Family Violence and Homelessness Prevention Project (legal services) and a collaboration with Building Futures and SAVE for coordinated community outreach. Statistics for fiscal year 2425 (likely 2024-2025): served 118 San Leandro residents, 52 received legal services (39 advice/counsel, 20 paperwork preparation, 43 court orders), 22 received housing legal services, and 75 received crisis counseling/relocation/shelter support. The collaborative project served 79 survivors with case management. Commissioner Lum and others suggested partnerships for youth engagement (e.g., Boys & Girls Club, Social Justice Academy, Youth Commission).
• Age-Friendly Implementation Plan Update – Pedro (Human Services Manager) and Commissioner Dillon: Provided an update on the age-friendly initiative, which was adopted by city council in July. The plan aims to make San Leandro a great community for all ages through the lens of older adults. Key priorities: sustainability, personal protection, housing security, health and wellness, transportation, social connection. The implementation plan includes 13 projects with dozens of activities, such as walking audits (done in collaboration with UC Berkeley's California Walks), emergency preparedness (linking with fire department and flex shuttles), home match program, home repair education, intergenerational programming, and accessible transportation pilots (including a volunteer driver/case manager program with Citizer). Commissioner Dillon emphasized the importance of integrating goals across city departments and ongoing community engagement. Commissioners discussed challenges with language accessibility for non-English speaking communities (especially Asian populations) and suggested using WeChat, radio/TV, partnering with Meals on Wheels, and utilizing youth translators. Commissioner O'Brien (with Red Cross) offered to help with emergency evacuation planning. Commissioner Fry highlighted the need for sidewalk repair education. Commissioner Lum noted the importance of reaching diverse ethnic groups through culturally specific methods.

Key Outcomes

• The commission accepted the staff reports and presentations without formal action.
• Future meetings will include drop-in center usage statistics as requested.
• Commissioners will share information about age-friendly initiatives and FVLC services with their networks.
• The meeting adjourned following commissioner announcements (including the backpack giveaway event on Saturday).

Commission Reports and Announcements

• Commissioner Bailey reported the annual backpack giveaway will be held Saturday from 10 AM until supplies run out (2,000 backpacks) at the high school; many nonprofits will be present.
• Commissioner Mason thanked those who volunteered at the Cherry Festival and parade.
• No other reports.

The meeting adjourned.